Two Crazy Cousins

Aaron and I have been keeping my sister's black lab, Anna, while she and her boyfriend are at the beach for 10 days. It's been good for Missy; she needs to be socialized with other dogs. Anna is a calm, well-mannered dog, who can shake your hand and sit and won't go for a treat until you give her the ok. Missy is....well, let's just say Missy won't be winning the Eukanuba American Dog Show anytime soon.

Missy has a large rawhide bone that has been lying around the house for about two weeks. Periodically, she'll show some interest in it. A couple of days ago, Anna loped over to it and picked it up. Missy immediately became terribly concerned about the bone, shoving her face in Anna's, making a small whining noise. Anna growled softly under her breath, and the game was on. I tried to explain to Anna that the bone belonged to Missy, but somehow she didn't understand. Missy became more and more agitated. I finally went into the kitchen to get Missy a pig's ear as a consolation prize. As she took it, Anna came dashing over. I tried to explain to Anna that she had the bone to chew on, but she just didn't get it. So I gave her her own pig's ear. Each dog took their repective ear out into the living room, where Missy promptly dropped hers and picked up the bone Anna had discarded. Anna then invaded Missy's personal space. I made Anna take back the pig's ear, and the two dogs circled the living room, rolling their eyes at one another. Finally, they each took a corner and settled down.

The bone has been passed back and forth since then, causing much consternation. Anna, it turns out, is quite passive-aggressive. Right now, Anna is fast asleep on the floor, and Missy is chewing industriously on the bone.